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Modular Bio-Resin Urns Integrated with Natural Stone in a Community Columbarium

Authors:
Julia Lewandowska, Sohyun Won
Modular Bio-Resin Urns Integrated with Natural Stone in a Community Columbarium

Project in-detail

Modular urn sections crafted from bio-resin and complemented by natural stone create a reflective community columbarium designed to facilitate personalized memorialization and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular urns from bio-resin allow for customizable designs reflecting individual identities.
02
Integration of natural stone enhances the connection between the memorial and its landscape.
03
A pathway system promotes engagement with nature and contemplation among visitors.
04
Flexible design accommodates future expansions to meet evolving family needs.
05
Living memorials with planting opportunities encourage biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
The architectural design project titled "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust" represents a contemporary approach to memorial architecture, offering a thoughtful solution for families dealing with grief and loss. This columbarium is intended not only as a resting place but also as a space for reflection and connection with nature. The design aims to facilitate the grieving process by allowing individuals to create personalized memorials that honor their loved ones.

The primary function of the project is to serve as a columbarium, providing a respectful and serene environment for the memorialization of deceased individuals. The design incorporates modular 'urnes' that can be customized, enabling families to express their personalities and relationships with the deceased. The columbarium connects individuals to their memories and encourages ongoing familial ties through its architectural elements.

Unique Design Approaches

What sets this project apart from traditional columbarium designs is its emphasis on personalization and sustainability. The modularity of the urns allows for adaptable arrangements that can evolve over time, accommodating family needs without compromising the overall aesthetic. Each urn can be fabricated from sustainable bio-resin, offering families the opportunity to incorporate distinctive designs that reflect the essence of their loved ones.

The integration of landscape features plays a crucial role in this project. The columbarium's placement within natural surroundings promotes a sense of unity between memory and environment. Pathways designed alongside the structure not only guide visitors but also create spaces for contemplation and interaction with nature. This holistic approach redefines the experience of grief, providing a tranquil setting for families to engage with their memories actively.

Enhanced Community Engagement

The project encourages social interaction, transforming the memorial space into a community-centered environment. Elements such as benches and small gardens invite participation and personalization, fostering a collective sense of remembrance. This focus on community parallels the personal nature of the design, creating an architectural expression that serves both individual and communal needs.

For a comprehensive understanding of this architectural project, including its detailed architectural plans and sections, readers are encouraged to explore the complete project presentation. Insights into architectural designs and ideas will deepen appreciation for this innovative approach to memorial architecture.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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